This bill establishes a modified law enforcement basic training program to allow county corrections officers to transition into the position of county sheriff's officer. Currently, a candidate for a position as a county corrections officer is required to successfully complete an 18-week basic training course. A county corrections officer transitioning into a position as a county sheriff's officer is required to complete an additional 26-week training course. This bill allows certain county corrections officers to utilize their prior training in conjunction with the modified basic training program established in the bill to accelerate the process of transitioning into a county sheriff's officer position. The bill requires the Police Training Commission (PTC) to develop this modified basic training program. The program is to provide comprehensive and consistent training in law enforcement practices and concepts. Course instructors are to be proficient and experienced in law enforcement practices and concepts. The program is to be offered at approved academies. A county corrections officer is eligible for the modified basic training program if the officer has previously completed a PTC basic training course; has been certified by the county sheriff to transition into the position of sheriff's officer based on the officer's civil service test and seniority; and has served in the county correction's officer title for 36 months in the facility under the jurisdiction of the county sheriff. Under the bill, a county corrections officer who successfully completes the modified basic training program is eligible for the permanent position of county sheriff's officer. The bill also requires the Civil Service Commission to develop a written examination entitled the "Promotional Examination for County Corrections Officers to Transfer to the Title of Sheriff's Officer." The examination's content is to be equivalent to the content of the entry level law enforcement examination. According to the sponsor, eliminating the necessity for an additional 26-week training program for trained county corrections officers by establishing a modified basic training program to fill-in the "gap" will reduce the burden placed on taxpayers in this State.

Bill Subjects:

2nd Reading in the Assembly, Law and Public Safety, Substituted by another Bill